> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://anam.ai/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Custom Avatar Best Practices > Technical specifications and source image guidelines for creating custom avatars with Cara 4. This page is for Cara 4 custom avatars, not Cara 3. Cara 3 follows similar pose and background guidance, but it uses different source image constraints. Cara 4 uses a square source image that can be cropped into landscape and portrait video. The safest upload is a high-resolution square image with clear margins around the subject. Diagram showing centered landscape and portrait crops from a square avatar source image See [Models](/introduction/models) for when to use `cara-4` and [Video Options](/personas/session/video) for supported output sizes. ## Source image * **Format:** Use `.png`, `.jpg`/`.jpeg`, or `.webp`, up to 4.5MB. * **Resolution:** Use at least `1152x1152`. Higher resolution is better. * **Margins:** Leave room around the head, shoulders, and chest so Anam can crop in for landscape or portrait output instead of extending the image with outpainting. * **Automatic fixes:** Anam may crop, pad, or outpaint when the source image does not cover the required crop. Do not rely on this for best quality. ## Subject * Use a relaxed, natural pose with a neutral expression. * Keep the face sharp and visible. A mild angle is acceptable if both eyes and the full face remain visible. * Use an eye-level or slightly low camera angle. Cara 4 does not require a low-angle or fully front-on shot. * Keep the mouth closed, but not tense. * Keep hands completely out of view. ## Background and appearance * Use a plain, simple background. * Avoid busy rooms, strong patterns, large text, and distracting logos. * Keep the head, shoulders, and upper chest visible. Avoid tight crops.